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Home My WebLink AboutMIN NOV 20 2007 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT W.L. Pate, Jr., At-Large BECKY AMES, MAYOR Gethrel Williams-Wright,At-Large Dr. Alan B. Coleman, Ward I CITY COUNCIL MEETING Nancy Beaulieu, Ward II Audwin Samuel, Mayor Pro Tern,Ward III November 20, 2007 Jamie Smith, Ward IV Tyrone E. Cooper, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Tina Broussard, City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on November 20, 2007 at the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont,Texas, at 1:30 p.m.to consider the following: OPENING Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call " Presentations and Recognition Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-4/Consent Agenda Consent Agenda Mayor Ames called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Pastor James "Big Jim" Salles of West End Baptist Church gave the invocation. Councilmember Pate led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Present at the meeting were Mayor Ames, Mayor Pro Tern Samuel, Councilmembers Coleman, Beaulieu, Pate and Smith. Absent: Councilmember Wright. Also present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney; Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions "Christmas Holiday Festival &Parade Day"- December 1, 2007- Proclamation read by Mayor Ames; accepted by Ashley Jennings and Parade Committee "Be A Santa to A Senior Month"-December,2007-Proclamation read by Councilmember Smith; accepted by Charlie Holder Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-4/Consent Agenda. None CONSENT AGENDA Approval of minutes - November 13, 2007 Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution 07- 377 Minutes-November 20,2007 Pat Anderson would fill the unexpired term of Andy Hemmings on the Community Development Advisory Committee. The term would commence November 20, 2007 and expire December 12, 2007. (Councilmember Nancy Beaulieu) Connie Berry would be reappointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee. The current term would expire September 12, 2009. (Councilmember Nancy Beaulieu) Gene Bush would be appointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The term would commence November 20, 2007 and expire November 19, 2009. (Councilmember Nancy Beaulieu) A) Approve the purchase of parking bumpers -Resolution 07- 378 B) Approve a resolution casting the City of Beaumont's voting allocation to C. L. Sherman for election to the Jefferson County Appraisal District Board of Directors- Resolution 07-379 C) Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Labor Agreement with the Beaumont Police Officers Association relating to Article 16, Section 5 - Personal Leave - Resolution 07- 380 D) Authorize the acquisition of two(2)properties in the Van WormerAddition forthe Downtown Event Center and Lake Park Project - Resolution 07- 381 E) Authorize the conveyance of a five foot (5') General Utility Easement located off Babe Zaharias Drive in Tyrrell Park to Centerpoint Energy - Resolution 07- 382 Mayor Pro Tern Samuel made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Pate seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving a bid for construction of anew hangar at the Beaumont Municipal Airport. Administration recommended award of a bid in the amount of$682,900 to Bruce's General Construction, Inc. of Beaumont. Six (6) bids were received on Thursday, November 8, 2007 for the construction of a new hangar at the Beaumont Municipal Airport. The hangar sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Rita. Until a settlement was reached between the City and the insurance carrier, no work could begin on the project. After several evaluations of the structure, the City's Page 2 of 7 Minutes-November 20,2007 insurance carrier settled for the full value of the building thus enabling the City to move forward with rebuilding. The pre-engineered metal building to be constructed on the existing slab is approximately 12,000 square feet. The structure will be built meeting all codes specifically related to airport hangars including a foam style fire suppression system. The damaged structure will be demolished. Per the City's agreement with the Fixed Based Operator(FBO),the hangar is provided to the FBO for plane storage and maintenance. Construction is expected to commence within thirty(30)days and be completed in 240 days. Bruce's General Construction is a certified minority owned business. The insurance claim settlement for damages to this structure totaled $399,200. FEMA will reimburse the City the cost to restore the building to pre-storm conditions. Based on estimates submitted to FEMA, it is projected that the total construction cost will be funded. Councilmember Smith made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BY BRUCE'S GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, INC. OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS FOR FURNISHING ALL MATERIAL,LABOR AN D EQUIPMENT TO CONSTRUCT ANEW HANGAR AT THE BEAUMONT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT LOCATED AT 455 KEITH ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF$682,900 BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 07- 383 2. Consider approving the purchase of garbage containers. Administration recommended the purchase of 4,000 garbage containers for$44.98 each from Toter Inc. of Statesville, North Carolina for a total expenditure of$179,920. The State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program provides contracted pricing on various commodities to all state, county, school district, and municipal agencies within Texas. The City has approximately 34,000 of the 96-gallon containers currently in service,which are used in conjunction with automated refuse trucks. The majority of the cans in service were purchased in 1989 with an anticipated useful life of seven (7)years. Due to aging and wear, the existing containers are in varying states of deterioration. The Public Works Landfill Division anticipates the eventual replacement of the entire container inventory over a period of years. During fiscal year 2004, the City purchased 1,260 containers from Toter,followed by 3,360 containers in fiscal year 2005, and 4,000 containers in October 2005 following Hurricane Rita. Page 3 of 7 Minutes-November 20,2007 The new Toter containers have a ten(10)year warranty. Delivery is expected in approximately forty-five (45) days. Funds for this purchase are available in the Solid Waste Fund. Councilmember Smith made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY COUNCIL HEREBY APPROVES THE PURCHASE OF 4,000 GARBAGE CONTAINERS FOR$44.98 EACH FOR A TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF $179,920 FROM TOTER INC. OF STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, THROUGH THE STATE OF TEXAS COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. Councilmember Pate seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU, PATE, AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 07- 384 3. Consider authorizing the use of Fire Grant Funding for the 911 dispatch center. Administration recommended that Council authorize the use of grant funds. Council authorized funding under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program on August 14, 2007 for the purchase of furniture and a radio console setup for 911 dispatch to use for training and backup in the amount of$59,381. Information was recently received that the City is eligible for funding totaling $85,000 instead of the original $59,381; however, a match is required. Additional computers, software and furniture will be purchased. There is a 20% match requirement as a part of the Grant Program. The City will be responsible for paying $17,000 which is available in the Capital Program. Councilmember Coleman made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT RESOLUTION NO. 07-225 IS HEREBY AMENDED TO APPROVE THE USE OF FUNDING THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM #EMw-2005-FG-00908 TO PURCHASE FURNITURE, RADIO CONSOLE SETUP,COMPUTERS,AND SOFTWARE FOR 911 DISPATCH FOR TRAINING AND BACKUP PURPOSES IN THE TOTALAMOUNT OF$85,000.Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 07- 385 Page 4 of 7 Minutes-November 20,2007 4. Consider approving an upgrade to the Police Voice Recorder System. Administration recommended the purchase of an upgrade to the current 911 Center, Voice Print International, Inc. voice recorder system in the amount of $52,207. The voice recorder system is used to record and archive all 911 calls, trunked radio conversations,and critical incoming and outgoing phone lines within the Police Department. The Current system was purchased from Voice Print International in 2002 and has been very reliable with timely support services when needed. The 911 center has recently been having problems with the voice recorder system due to the age of the system. A system upgrade will resolve these problems by updating both the system hardware and software. The system upgrade will also provide the 911 Center with call taker assessment evaluations, training, and coaching software for dispatchers. This purchase is exempt from competitive bidding since it is available from only one (1) source having exclusive rights to modify and maintain the software. Funding is budgeted within the Police and Technology Services budgets. COuncilmember Pate made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY COUNCIL HEREBY APPROVES THE PURCHASE OF AN UPGRADE TO THE VOICE RECORDER SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF$52,207 FROM VOICE PRINT INTERNATIONAL, INC. FOR THE CURRENT 911 CENTER. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL COUNCILMEMBER S COLEMAN BEAULIEU, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 07- 386 WORKSESSION Receive a report from the Southeast Texas Industrial Workforce Alliance Mark Viator, Industry Workforce Development Facilitator discussed Industrial Workforce Alliance with Council, he spoke regarding the Industrial and Commercial Workforce Projections, identified the industrial and commercial workforce projections, industrial projects proposed,announced or under construction, identify and address workforce challenges,workforce development criteria, industrial workforce development strategy as well as the availability of jobs that the major refineries will have. COMMENTS Councilmembers/City Manager comment on various matters Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Page 5 of 7 Minutes-November 20,2007 COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN - LET'S GIVE THANKS FOR ALL OF OUR BLESSING AND FOR OUR FAMILIES,SPOKE REGARDING THE BREAKFASTATTHE YMCA, THE TOY DRIVE DROP OFF WILL BE AT THE L. L. MELTON YMCA OR THE WEST END BRANCH, THE DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE DECEMBER 15,2007 IN HONOR OF MIKE COKINOS AND SAM BEAN, ALSO CONGRATULATED MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL FOR BEING ELECTED AS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS BOARD AND THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ALSO CONGRATULATED COUNCILMEMBER SMITH ON HIS NOMINATION TO THE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS BOARD COUNCILMEMBER BEAULIEU - EXTENDED CONGRATULATIONS TO MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL AND COUNCILMEMBER SMITH, COMMENTED THAT SHE IS VERY THANKFUL FOR THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION ON THE COUNCIL AND THE POSITIVE ATTITUDES, AS WELL AS THE GREAT FRIENDSHIPS THAT ARE DEVELOPING, WISHED EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING COUNCILMEMBER WRIGHT - ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER PATE - EXTENDED CONGRATULATIONS TO MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL AND COUNCILMEMBER SMITH, WE SHOULD CELEBRATE THANKS EVERYDAY AND NOT JUST ONCE A YEAR, WISHED EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL - THANKFUL FOR SERVING ON A TEAM OF THIS MAGNITUDE, VERY HUMBLE TO SERVE IN THE POSITION THAT HE HAS BEEN SELECTED TO SERVE IN,THANKED JEFF SKINNER WITH THE BEAUMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR PROVIDING HIM WITH INFORMATION OF WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE IN BEAUMONT,SPOKE REGARDING THE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE AND HOMELAND SECURITY COUNCILMEMBER SMITH - IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO WORK WITH A GREAT COUNCIL AND A GREAT STAFF, COMMENTED ON THE NLC CONFERENCE AND THE GREAT IDEAS THAT HE WANTS TO SHARE WITH COUNCIL ALSO ENJOYED NETWORKING WITH OTHER COUNCILMEMBERS IN OTHER CITIES, WISHED EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING Page 6 of 7 Minutes-November 20,2007 CITY ATTORNEY HAYES - HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO COUNCIL, STAFF AND THE CITIZENS OF BEAUMONT,AND THANKED MARK VIATOR AND STAFF WITH TEXAS WORKFORCE CITY MANAGER COOPER - HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE, THANKFUL FOR COUNCIL TO ALLOW HIM TO DO WHAT HE DOES FOR COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS OF BEAUMONT MAYOR AMES - SPOKE REGARDING THE BREAKFAST AT THE YMCA AND WHAT WE ARE THANKFUL FOR AND TO NOT FORGET THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE COMPASSION FOR THE EXCITING THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN BEAUMONT AND IN HER EYES THINGS ARE GREAT, AND WISHED EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) Bruce Hoffer 2615 Gladys Beaumont TX Presented a slide show to Council regarding the soccer teams that range in age groups from 4 to 5 year olds to high school that have played at the soccer field, also asked that more street lights be added on the Dishman side of the field There being no further business, Council adjourned at 2:43 p.m.. Auidio tapes are a"able upon request in the City Clerk's Office. ai&Be ky A yor +sue� ✓�wtl� i U Tina Broussard, City Clerk i W Page 7 of 7 Minutes-November 20,2007